Careers in Orthodontics

so you want to be an Orthodontist?

Dr. Leydon would highly recommend this career to anyone interested and hopes you will find the information below useful. Orthodontics is a challenging, rewarding and stimulating career. Please feel free to contact us at the practice should you require any information.

Is orthodontics the career for me?

To be suited to and enjoy a career in orthodontics you will need to be able to relate well to patients who will mostly be children and teenagers. Good communication skills are a basic requirement. Manual dexterity and an interest in the sciences are also essential. One of the many attractions of a career in orthodontics is where and when you can work. You may wish to work in a specialist practice and run your own small business, alternatively you may choose to work in a hospital, a community clinic or become a teacher of orthodontics in a university. There are plenty of opportunities for full time or part time work and career breaks are possible. If you are interested in becoming an orthodontist, then you possibly already have some idea of what the job entails. Maybe you attend an orthodontist yourself or know somebody who does. If you are seriously considering working in this branch of dentistry, do spend some time with a orthodontist to find out if this would be the career you would be looking for.

How can I become a specialist orthodontist?

There are a number of stages to becoming an orthodontist. These are:7

Obtain good leaving certificate grades to secure a place in university to study dentistry.

At university, train for 5 years to obtain a degree in dentistry.

After qualifying, work as a dentist and at the same time study for the MFDS/MFD.

The MFDS/MFD takes a minimum of 2 years.

Although the MFDS/MFD is no longer an entry requirement for specialist training, it is desirable as it signifies the acquisition of a broad based knowledge and understanding which provides evidence of your suitability and commitment to continuing professional development.

Once you have your BDS and your MFDS/MFD apply for a place in an orthodontic training scheme. Training takes a further 3 years of full time studying and consists of both academic training at a university and clinical training at a hospital. At the end, if you are successful in completing the Membership in Orthodontics examination, MOrth, you will become a specialist in orthodontics. You will also study for a higher degree, Masters of Science or Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Where can I study dentistry and then orthodontics?

Trinity College Dublin and many universities in England and the United States of America offer undergraduate and post graduate programmes in dentistry.

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Work Experience

We offer transition year work experience and are currently accepting applications for next year.
Send in your application by e-mail or post to Dr. Shona Leydon, 9 Clontarf Road, Dublin 3.